Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is a type of cannabis concentrate made by agitating cannabis buds in ice water to separate trichomes. It is then collected, dried, and usually smoked with a heating wand.

Bubble hash, or ice-o-lator, is a cannabis concentrate that is obtained from the processing of trichomes. This variety of hashish is among the purest and best of all, and the process of making it isn’t even too complicated.

The name derives from the fact that by heating it with a lighter, bubbles are created on the surface as if it is boiling. This reaction denotes the excellent quality and purity of the product. 

How to Make Bubble Hash

As with any other type of hashish, bubble hash is obtained by separating the trichomes from the plant and then processing them. 

The separation can be done in many different ways, and from each of them, you get a type of hashish that is different from the others. The quality of the final product obviously depends on the quality of the plant from which we extract the trichomes, but each extraction method has its own results. 

Cold Extraction 

This method of obtaining bubble hash is perhaps one of the most famous extraction methods ever: cold extraction. This extraction method involves the use of water and ice, hence the other name of this product, ice-o-lator. Cold extraction is not a difficult method to perform, but there are some delicate steps to take and some specific equipment to purchase. 

The separation takes place thanks to the low temperature of the water, which hardens the trichomes and breaks them, letting them fall into the water. The trichomes, once precipitated, will be filtered by sieves with an increasingly fine mesh so as to best separate them from the vegetable matter. Once all the material has been collected from the filters, it is dried and processed so as to obtain our purest hashish. Let’s see in detail what the steps are to make bubble hash yourself and what equipment is needed.

Bubble Hash DIY Extraction: The Details

To make our own bubble hash in DIY “at home” setting, you’ll need:

• 2 buckets (4-5 gallons);
• Purified water;
• 10 to 15 pounds of ice;
• 3.5 ounces of cannabis;
• The special set of extraction bags called bubble bags;
• A utensil for mixing;
• Baking paper;
• A spoon.

If you don’t want to buy bubble bags, you can use increasingly finer mesh sieves. It must be said that bubble bags are much more practical because they are designed specifically for this purpose. Another thing to take into consideration is that there is no exact relationship between the amount of cannabis used and the amount of the final product, on average, 10g of cannabis yields 1g of bubble hash, but the amount can vary based on the amount of trichomes present on the plant. The water must be purified as well, or there is a risk of contamination that would compromise the quality of the product. It can be purchased pure or filtered by a purifier if you have one. 

Bubble Hash Step-by-step

Little tip: freeze your buds the night before, a further decrease in temperature will make the trichomes detach even more easier. It is also advisable to keep the working environment as cool as possible.

1. First, you need to fix the bubble bags in the bucket. The one with the finest mesh (the smallest microns) should be positioned first. The other bubble bag should be placed on top until the last one with the thickest mesh is placed. Make sure each bag lines up perfectly with the bag underneath;
2. Put the weed in the bucket on the bubble bag with the thickest mesh, pour the ice, and add about a liter and a half of purified water;
3. Mix everything gently and very slowly for at least 15–20 minutes, then let it rest for 30–40 minutes;
4. Once it has rested, you can extract the upper sack, where all the cannabis resides, and let the water flow into the bucket. Don’t speed up this process: you can shake the sack a little but don’t squeeze it;
5. Then put the bag with cannabis in the second bucket;
6. Now lift the second bag out of the first bucket and let the water drain out slowly. Once emptied of the water, you will notice some residual material on the mesh. Collect it carefully with a spoon and place it on baking paper, that is the bubble hash still soaked in water;
7. Repeat this operation for each bag, but separate the hashish you collect, each bag has a mesh of different thickness and collects increasingly pure trichomes with each passage, not allowing the passage to the plant material. So the hash collected in the first bag will be less pure, but certainly still good.

Now you just have to wait for it to dry, it can take a couple of days or more. It is better to wait for a better product than get impatient and smoke some wet hash (which obviously doesn’t burn). 

You can squeeze it gently in the parchment paper to squeeze out some water, but the best way is to place it on a piece of cardboard in a dry, dark place and wait. Once solidified and hard to the touch, it is ready.

Best Strains for Concentrates

It is important to remember that the amount of bubble hash obtained depends only on the amount of trichomes present on the plant, so to maximize the results of cold extraction, it is better to use plants that naturally produce more trichomes than others.

Hash Plant

The name explains everything. This type of indica, with its large buds rich in pollen, ensures large harvests for those who want to extract their hashish by themselves;

8 Ball Kush

This plant, native to Afghanistan and Pakistan, ensures large quantities of hashish even for the most demanding consumers. A high concentration of active ingredients and an authentic hash taste;

Ice

Comes with a  fresh and intense fragrance, capable of making you enter an almost mystical state of relaxation. This one produces a considerable amount of trichomes and is suitable for extraction;

Strawberry Shortcake

Don’t be fooled by its sweet name. This strain, with an active ingredient concentration of 22% and an abundant production of trichomes, produces very powerful effects even in the most experienced smokers. Produces so much resin that it needs supports to keep the branches from breaking;

White Ice

Another one with a generous resin production, with relaxing effects that act on the body with extraordinary sensory sensations. Excellent for the production of hashish;

Glueberry OG

Amazing genetics, a mix of Gorilla Glue, Blueberry, and OG Kush. In addition to a high concentration of active ingredients, this plant produces abundant flowers rich in trichomes. A high-quality variety with excellent yields;

Think Fast

Comes with a slightly faster life cycle than other plants. This speed is defined by recessive auto-flowering genetics. Trichomes appear early, with a thick layer of resin on the buds and leaves;

Auto Night Queen

Truly, this strain has very few rivals when it comes to hash production, and even if it doesn’t excel in size, it will work perfectly. Its lateral ramifications and abundant resin make it among the top -5 plants for trichome production. A real treasure for anyone who wants to make their own hash;

Power Plant

Despite its not excessive stature, manages to generate a lot of buds, each extremely loaded with resin. This is a sativa strain, and the hash produced from this plant does not have its typical effects. Instead, it offers a very creative and euphoric experience. The quality of the hash produced from this plant couldn’t be better;

Sour Banana Sherbet

Thanks to its genetic heritage, this strain manages to offer a perfectly balanced experience between indica and sativa. Its effects affect sociality, making you carefree and relaxed. Of course, the yields in terms of buds and trichomes are also excellent.

Advantages and disadvantages of bubble hash

It seems like there are many steps, but this method is very quick to learn and ensures different results from simple dry sift hash (or Kief) extraction. 

Kief, for example, contains considerable amounts of plant material, bubble hash, being much purer, contains only trichomes and ensures a much more potent experience. In addition, the low water temperatures favor the detachment of the trichomes, making it possible to collect more material than from simple dry extraction. 

On the other hand, it is also true that harvesting Kief is much simpler and does not require special equipment like for bubble hash. 

Final Word on Bubble Hash

Preparing your own bubble hash is quite simple, and having such a high-quality product always at hand is a considerable advantage for those who want to produce their own hashish. And by selecting the right strains, you can dramatically increase the amount of trichomes extracted.

With a little patience and the right equipment, you can enjoy an excellent product as much as you like, it’s definitely worth it.